Important voice will be missed

Published: Monday, February 4, 2013 at 3:46 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, February 4, 2013 at 3:46 p.m.

America’s seafood and shellfish communities mourn the death of longtime industry champion Michael “Mike” Voisin who died on Saturday.

Since 1971, Mike was a strong and clear voice for the interests of America’s shellfish harvesters, processors and distributors and the thousands of families which depend on the farming, processing and distribution of seafood for their livelihoods. Mike continuously led industry efforts to improve product handling and quality control while seeking to protect the industry from over-regulation and government over-reach.

Mike distinguished himself through his many pro bono leadership roles in important organizations including the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, Gulf and South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation, the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference and National Fisheries Institute. Fisheries interests from around the world frequently sought Mike’s counsel and wisdom in the management of their own policy and resource debates.

Mike was a gentle giant, soft spoken and hard-working, who never shied away from an opportunity to tackle a problem or find a solution where others only found obstacles. He provided strong and measured leadership and distinguished himself as a consensus builder who believed that bringing people together was paramount to winning a political point.

Mike’s public service went far beyond his leadership in the shellfish community. For many years, he was a board member and guiding force at Terrebonne General Medical Center in Houma and played an important role in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Louisiana.

Perhaps most notably, Mike distinguished himself as a husband and father, totally dedicated to his wife, Sarah, and his five children and serving as a quiet but inspirational role model for all who knew him and now mourn this great loss.

<p>America's seafood and shellfish communities mourn the death of longtime industry champion Michael “Mike” Voisin who died on Saturday.</p><p>Since 1971, Mike was a strong and clear voice for the interests of America's shellfish harvesters, processors and distributors and the thousands of families which depend on the farming, processing and distribution of seafood for their livelihoods. Mike continuously led industry efforts to improve product handling and quality control while seeking to protect the industry from over-regulation and government over-reach.</p><p>Mike distinguished himself through his many pro bono leadership roles in important organizations including the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, Gulf and South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation, the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference and National Fisheries Institute. Fisheries interests from around the world frequently sought Mike's counsel and wisdom in the management of their own policy and resource debates.</p><p>Mike was a gentle giant, soft spoken and hard-working, who never shied away from an opportunity to tackle a problem or find a solution where others only found obstacles. He provided strong and measured leadership and distinguished himself as a consensus builder who believed that bringing people together was paramount to winning a political point. </p><p>Mike's public service went far beyond his leadership in the shellfish community. For many years, he was a board member and guiding force at Terrebonne General Medical Center in Houma and played an important role in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Louisiana.</p><p>Perhaps most notably, Mike distinguished himself as a husband and father, totally dedicated to his wife, Sarah, and his five children and serving as a quiet but inspirational role model for all who knew him and now mourn this great loss.</p>